A splash of colours , myriad hues floating in the sky, a sense of playfulness in all eyes and a test of people’s reflexes, have you guessed it already? It is definitely a scene from a celebration of Holi. There are many a story that have done the rounds on why we celebrate this festival of colours but I don’t think we should restrict ourselves with any single reason to throw colours at each other and make merry. The story of Holi has many retellings and versions but I thought I’d narrate a few that I really like and made an impact on my understanding of it. 

The first story or myth as some of the refined people of society like to call it is the tale that involves Krishna and his love for Radha. Imagine the playful, charming Krishna being insecure about his skin colour in comparison to the fair Radha, it’s a difficult ask right? Well, it is a myth and in this telling of the tale, Krishna was unhappy with his skin colour and his mother Yashodha suggested he take colour powder and ask Radha to paint his face in her preferred hue. Though the story might sound silly to some it truly shows us that Krishna in his human form was also subjected to the silly ideas we humans perceive in terms of one’s skin colour, all colours are beautiful and that is what was proven when Radha playfully started throwing all shades at Krishna and affirmed their eternal love for each other. So, Holi is a celebration of colours and a celebration of love , Radha & Krishna’s unbounded love for each other. Thus Holi is also a Festival of Love.

Then, there is the myth of Prahlad , the son of the Demon King Hiranyakasipu who was tortured for his disobedience in not praying to his father. Prahlad who prayed to Lord Vishnu from the time he was in his Mother’s womb always chanted the Lord’s name and this brought a lot of discord in the family as Hiranyakasipu was enraged and attempted multiple times to put an end to Prahlad’s life, but unsuccessfully. One such encounter is when Hiranyakasipu requested his sister Holika to seat Prahlad in a pyre along with her and when the fire began burning, the magic cloak that was supposed to protect her from being burnt enveloped itself around Prahlad and thus brought a sad end to her life. Holika requested that they celebrate her life after her demise and therefore the night of Holi there is a small fire lit in houses as a symbol of remembering her and marking the triumph of good over evil. Holi is celebrated using colours as a sign of the vibrance of life and enjoying it to the fullest. 

This year though, we won’t be celebrating Holi like we usually do. There won’t be any Holi parties full of pichkaris ( water guns) , water balloon fights and blaring Desi music. This year, Holi will be celebrated virtually , we might have to add colour to our own faces and take pictures with friends and family to bring that feeling of joy that comes with playing Holi. There won’t be any chasing each other to smear colour on their faces nor dodging water balloons. We will be safe and socially distanced this Holi. Aha Bazaar never lets a festival go by without giving you an opportunity to celebrate it and keeping in mind the current situation we have a plan of action. We’ve found a way to add color to your friends and family by bringing to you a myriad of colourful sweets specially curated for your taste. The sweets range from Boondhi Laddu, Kaju Katli, Badhusha, and Sugar Free options in the same category from Dezire Naturals that brings you an assorted Sweet box that is diabetic friendly. Let’s indulge in goodness from home this Holi and celebrate safe and with colourful palettes.